the bootstrapper’s guide to being a modern freelancer€¦ · an employer all stats from 2015...
TRANSCRIPT
The Bootstrapper’s Guide To Being A Modern Freelancer
Presenter Info
• Patrick Ward • Kine.x, Lead Genera.on Coordinator • Former poli.cal hack • Vinyl Junkie
• Cara Lucas • Kine.x, Marke.ng Manager • Editor of the blog, FisDul of Talent • Design/Power Tool Addict
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Things To Talk About
1. Now Trending: The Freelance Economy On The Rise… 2. Reality Check One-Two. You Ready? 3. Our Perspective 4. 5-Step Playbook for The Modern Freelancer 5. Q&A
1. Now Trending: The Freelance Economy Is On The Rise
Freelancing in 2015
� 34% of the U.S. workforce performed freelance work in 2015.
� That translates to 53.7 million people, up 700,000 from 2014
� 60% of those freelanced by choice, up 7% from 2014
� 50% of freelancers said they would not take a traditional position with an employer
All stats from 2015 Edelman Berland Freelancer’s Report
How Freelancers Worked in 2015
� Technology is making it easier for freelancers to find work; 51% obtained a project via the internet, up 9% from 2014
� 60% of freelancers who left traditional employment now earn more than in their previous jobs
� 78% saw their income rise in 2015
All stats from 2015 Edelman Berland Freelancer’s Report
What’s Next? • 83% of freelancers believe the best days are ahead in 2016 and beyond • 75% of non-freelancers are open to doing additional projects outside of their
regular employment
10 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80%
To have schedule flexibility
To be my own boss
To work remotely
To do work I am passionate about
To have more work/life balance
To earn extra money
% of Respondents
Freedom and flexibility are the key drivers in freelancing
Who Freelances?
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
18-‐34 35-‐44 45-‐54 55+
Choice
Necessity
The youngest and oldest generaMons are most likely to freelance by choice.
2. Reality Check One-Two: You Ready?
The Business Challenge Drives
the Freelance Market
What’s the most important thing you
can do to take advantage of that?
3. Our Perspective?
Don’t follow the playbook…
And you may find yourself at risk.
4. 5-Step Playbook For The Modern Freelancer
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1. Use Social Media As Your Weapon of Choice
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YOU ARE NOT SPECIAL.YOU ARE NOT A BEAUTIFUL OR UNIQUE SNOWFLAKE.
� …but you could be with a little work.
� What does Google have to say about you? That’s your Personal Brand online
� Defining your Personal Brand isn’t hard, you just need to make the time
Pick the right social media tools.
• LinkedIn + Twitter + Instagram • Personal + Professional mix
• Transparency + Authenticity = Cool Factor
• Cool Factor based on Truth = Increased opportunity in your field.
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2. GET ON LinkedIn. Do it.
� The Franchise: ! Advanced LinkedIn user that has revolutionized the
social networking game and set the bar for how to present information on a LI profile.
� The Second-Stringer: ! The Second-Stringer is the middle of the pack LinkedIn
user with a respectable profile but falls short of champion status.
� The Scrub: ! The Scrub is the novice LinkedIn user that created a
profile because someone at a networking event or an article on Inc.com told them they should.
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unique tag
show us why you shouldn’t sit the bench
stomping grounds sweet pic
customized URL & how to contact
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3. Position Yourself As a Thought Leader
� Carve out your niche with a blog
� Make your target audience as specific as you want
� More than a portfolio
� Write 2-3 times per week and share industry insights, tips, features, stuff you’re working on
� Let the content drive your social media strategy/feeds
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4
4. Do Free Work
� Yep, we said it. FREE.
� Strategic gifts with no expectation of getting something in return
� Meant to position you as an expert in your field while demonstrating skills/knowledge
� Designing templates, giving away free stock photos
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5. Create + Maintain a Modern Portfolio
� Get your work online
� Visual elements are key
� Showcase projects/experience with at least 2-3 sentences
� Don’t forget to use visual social media to spotlight work (Pinterest, Instagram)
� Behance
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Where do I brand my work?
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5. Q&A?
Cara: [email protected] TwiPer: @caralucas44 LinkedIn: hPps://www.linkedin.com/in/caralucas Patrick: [email protected] TwiPer: @patrickward8 LinkedIn: hPps://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickward8